Electrical engineering is a rapidly growing and in-demand field that powers our increasingly digital world. With technologies like artificial intelligence, robotics, renewable energy and more advancing at an incredible pace, electrical engineers play a crucial role in innovation. An online electrical engineering degree can open the door to a meaningful career at the cutting edge of technology. However, with many options available, it’s important to choose a program that matches your goals and learning style.
What is Electrical Engineering?
Before diving into online degree programs, let’s define what electrical engineering entails. At its core, electrical engineering is the application of scientific and mathematical principles to practical problems involving electricity, electronics, electromagnetism and electrical power. Some key areas electrical engineers work in include:
- Electronics engineering – Designing and developing electronic components and systems like integrated circuits, computer chips, communications technology and more.
- Power engineering – Planning, designing and maintaining electric power generation, transmission and distribution systems. This includes everything from power plants to the electric grid.
- Control systems engineering – Applying feedback control principles to design industrial automation and control systems. Examples include feedback loops in machines, flight control systems and process control.
- Signal processing – Developing algorithms and techniques to transmit, receive and process signals like audio, image, video and biomedical data. This underpins technologies like mobile phones, cameras, medical imaging and more.
- Computer engineering – Designing both hardware and software for computers, networks and embedded systems. Computer engineers work across electrical and computer science.
While the scope is broad, common threads include applying mathematics, science and engineering principles to understand and design electrical, electronic and electromechanical systems. An online electrical engineering degree covers core subjects like circuit analysis, electronics, electromagnetics, signals and systems, with specialization options in the above areas.
Why Pursue an Online Electrical Engineering Degree?
With the option to study remotely and flexibility it provides, online degrees have become increasingly popular in recent years. There are several compelling reasons why pursuing an online electrical engineering degree makes sense:
Convenience: Online classes don’t require commuting to a physical campus, allowing you to study at your own pace and schedule from anywhere. This is ideal for working professionals or those with family/location constraints.
Cost savings: Tuition and living expenses for online programs tend to be lower compared to traditional on-campus options. You save on room/board by not needing to relocate.
Career acceleration: Many online programs are designed for working professionals, allowing you to directly apply new skills on the job. You can gain an advanced degree faster while continuing to work full-time.
Broader choice: Since you aren’t limited by physical program locations, you have more options to choose a school and specialization that matches your goals. Programs may have seat availability year-round.
Flexibility: The asynchronous nature of online classes provides flexibility. You can watch lectures on your schedule, submit work anytime and manage family/work obligations alongside studying.
Marketable skills: As technology evolves jobs, online degrees teach digital skills highly relevant for careers. Hands-on exposure to technologies like simulation software and labs is an edge in a technical field.
For motivated self-learners seeking career growth and specialization in electrical engineering, online can be a practical path compared to extensive time and costs of an on-campus program. Just choose a reputable program from an accredited university.
Types of Online Electrical Engineering Degrees
Online programs offer flexibility in both degree level and specialization options. Here are the major types of online degrees available in electrical engineering:
Associate Degree in Electrical Engineering Technology
- Duration: 2 years
- Focus: Applied technical skills for engineering technician roles
- Prepares for hands-on roles in electronics, manufacturing, power etc.
- Can seamlessly transfer to Bachelor’s programs
Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering
- Duration: 4 years (full-time)
- Full engineering degree with theoretical foundations and lab experience
- Prepares for engineering design, product development and project roles
- Several specialization options like electronics, power etc.
Master of Science in Electrical Engineering
- Duration: 2 years (full-time)
- For engineers seeking advanced technical expertise and management roles
- Options to specialize in controls, communications, semiconductors etc.
- Prepares for R&D, systems design and managerial roles
Online Graduate Certificates
- Duration: 9-18 months
- Focused skill development for working professionals
- Specialize in trending areas like IoT, renewable energy, robotics etc.
- Stackable towards Masters if desired
Choosing between these depends on your educational background, career stage and goals. Discuss options with an academic advisor to pick the best fit. All are nationally accredited and recognized by employers.
Top Online Electrical Engineering Degree Programs
With so many schools offering versatile online electrical engineering programs, how do you identify reputable options? Here are some of the top-rated online programs based on rankings, accreditation, outcomes and reviews:
Colorado State University
- Programs: BS and MS in Electrical Engineering
- Specializations: Power systems, communications, control systems etc.
- Hands-on labs and industry projects via remote lab kits
- Internship support and 99% post-graduation job placement
Purdue University
- Programs: Online BS and MS in Electrical and Computer Engineering
- World-class faculty and cutting-edge curriculum
- Specialty MS tracks in cybersecurity, robotics and more
- 96% alumni career outcomes and high alumni salaries
University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
- Programs: Online MS in Electrical and Computer Engineering
- Flexible part-time and full-time options suited for working professionals
- Recognized specializations in robotics, IoT, renewable energy systems
- Scholarships for deserving candidates
Georgia Tech
- Programs: Online MS in Electrical and Computer Engineering
- Renowned reputation and world-class faculty in STEM programs
- Specializations tailored for careers in AI, autonomous systems and more
- Flexible schedule; classes in evenings/weekends suited for full-time jobs
University of Texas at Arlington
- Programs: Online BS and MS in Electrical Engineering
- ABET accredited curriculum with lab kits for hands-on learning
- Options to specialize in circuits, electronics, controls, power etc.
- Strong career support; average graduate salaries over $80K annually
These are just a handful of excellent online options. Do compare program quality indicators, accreditation, career services, costs and reviews to select the best fit for your needs and budget. Reputable schools partner with top companies and prepare students well.
Key Things to Consider When Choosing a Program
With so many electrical engineering degrees available online, it’s important to evaluate programs systematically. Here are some factors to consider carefully when selecting the program that’s right for you:
Accreditation – Check that the degree option you choose is ABET accredited, which assures internationally recognized standards. This is critical for qualifying engineering roles.
Cost and financial aid – Compare tuition costs and look into scholarships, loans, payment plans offered. Check living expenses if relocating to a campus.
Curriculum and focus areas – Review coursework, specializations offered and your learning/career interests. Look for hands-on projects, relevant technology exposure.
Faculty credentials – Ideal programs have research-active faculty with strong industry experience teaching specialized courses. Connect with professors.
Student support services – Check availability of academic advisors, career guidance, tutoring, library resources, tech support remotely.
Class format – Prefer synchronous live classes or self-paced recorded lectures? Balance program flexibility with structure suited to your needs.
Job placement rates – Check graduates’ career outcomes, salaries, roles at top companies. Networking opportunities are an asset.
Institution reputation – Research rankings, reviews and a school’s standing in the technology industry and among future employers in your target field.
Taking time to thoroughly research these factors will help you select the optimal program aligned with long-term career goals in electrical engineering. Reach out to current students for their honest reviews as well.
Financial Aid and Scholarships
Financing an online electrical engineering degree requires exploring all available funding resources. The good news is many reputed programs offer significant scholarships, grants and loans tailored for online students. Here are some commonly available options:
- School-based scholarships – Merit, need-based and field-specific awards based on academics, backgrounds, interests.
- Employer tuition reimbursement – Check your company’s benefits or negotiate reimbursement for approved degree programs.
- Federal student loans – Stafford, Perkins, PLUS – funds disbursed directly to schools; some offer income-driven repayment plans.
- State grants/scholarships – For residents pursuing degrees at public/non-profit schools in their own state.
- Private student loans – Borrow from banks/lenders, usually at higher interest rates than federal loans. Shop around and assess repayment plans.
- ** Crowdfunding** – Websites like GoFundMe allow fundraising from family/friends for education costs.
- Company-funded degrees – Some employers sponsor degrees in high-demand fields, often with a return service agreement.
- Military benefits – Veterans receive GI Bill funds for public school tuition, housing allowance. Active duty may use Tuition Assistance.
Do your research to piece together the optimal aid package. Start by filling out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) which qualifies you for federal and state help. Also check the scholarship database on the school website and popular sites like Fastweb, Scholarships.com. For employers, clarify policies upfront to receive reimbursements on time. Proper financial planning is essential to make an online degree affordable and reduce debt burden post-graduation.